2018 Report on Idaho's infrastructure
What Happens when A bridge fails?
The collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis in 2007 killed 13 people and focused attention on the state of bridges across the nation.
Idaho's Report Card
What Did others have to say?
More money needed for infrastructure.
House Transportation Chairman Comment
The Report Card provides an evaluation and letter grade for Idaho’s aviation, bridges, dams, drinking water systems, energy, local highways, freight and passenger railroads, schools, state highways, transit and wastewater systems. The study is a state-focused report similar to ASCE’s Report Card on America’s Infrastructure, which reviewed the nation’s infrastructure and gave it an overall rating of D+. This report highlights the condition of Idaho’s infrastructure so that the public and policy makers can make informed decisions on funding our critical assets that are necessary for our daily lives and our economy.
Industry experts from public agencies, private firms and non-profit groups led this Report Card effort. More than 25 civil engineering experts compiled issue briefs of 11 different infrastructure categories over the last 18 months. To arrive at grades for each area of infrastructure, volunteers examined the physical condition, capacity and future need, and studied funding sources and trends that impact maintenance and upgrades. In nearly every area, lack of funding was cited as a reason for poor physical conditions. Of the infrastructure areas, bridges, state highways, transit and passenger rail rank the lowest in the state of Idaho, with local highways and schools not far behind. The following are the 2018 Idaho Report Card grades:
Aviation – C
Bridges – D
Dams – C
Drinking Water – C
Energy – B-
Local Highways – C-
Rail – Freight – C+, Passenger – D
Schools – C-
State Highways – C
Transit - D
Wastewater – B-